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What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the term used to describe a number of related conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which transmits information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma usually (but not always) is associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause blindness.

The most common type of glaucoma has no early warning signs and can only be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. If undetected and untreated, glaucoma first causes peripheral vision loss and eventually can lead to blindness.

By the time you notice vision loss from glaucoma, it's too late. The lost vision cannot be restored, and it's very likely you may experience additional vision loss, even after glaucoma treatment begins.

There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs, which is why it's so important to have regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can detect and treat high IOP before it progresses to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

The only way to protect yourself and your family from vision loss and even blindness from glaucoma is to visit an eye doctor near you for routine comprehensive eye exams.

How can I find a glaucoma specialist near me?

Only an optometrist or ophthalmologist is trained to spot the early warning signs of glaucoma and to begin glaucoma treatment before vision loss occurs.

Our locator (below) makes it easy to find a glaucoma specialist in your local area. Simply enter your address or zip code using the “Edit Search” option at the bottom of the locator, and a list of eye care professionals in your area will appear.

If you prefer to view your results on a map rather than in a list, click on the “Map View” tab above the very first eye doctor listed.

What information is provided about glaucoma specialists?

Our locator listings provide an address, phone number, and mapped driving directions. Some enhanced listings include lists of services, office hours, photos and more. Each result also has customer reviews and ratings, with the option to “Call now” or “Book now.”

What types of treatments might a glaucoma specialist recommend?

There are several types of glaucoma treatment, including medicated eye drops, micro-surgery, laser treatments and other eye surgery.

It's important to realize that glaucoma treatments may prevent additional vision loss, but they will not restore vision already lost to the disease.

Depending on the type, severity and responsiveness of your glaucoma to treatment, your glaucoma specialist may prescribe medical treatment, surgery or a combination of both.

How can I find a glaucoma specialist that accepts my vision insurance?

Many of the glaucoma specialists in our locator have information about which insurance plans are accepted by the practice. To find an eye center that accepts payment from your plan, select your vision insurance by using the "Edit" button in the locator toolbar.

Not all listings include vision insurance information, so if your plan-specific search doesn’t produce enough results, try selecting “I’ll pay for myself.”

When comparing glaucoma specialists, always ask what services are covered by your vision insurance, and what the fees are for services not covered in the quoted price, such as follow-up visits.

Most vision insurance companies cover the cost of glaucoma treatment, but always ask your glaucoma specialist to be sure.

Also, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employment, you can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for glaucoma treatment. Ask your Human Resources department at work for more details.

Page published on Wednesday, May 12, 2021